The Primary Program

I got recruited awhile back to play the piano for the primary program. Pretty much because there was nobody else to do it. There are about four other players in the barrio. One is the woman who usually does Sacrament meeting and is a music teacher. She is also the one nobody gets along with. The three others can play basic simplified hymns. Me? The primary book is a breeze and with a little practice I can pluck out about any of the hymns.

We had been practicing quite a bit right before I left. You need to understand, there is only one piano in the building, and it is not in the primary room. Hence, these kids are not used to singing with a piano. So not only were we preparing for the program, but it was like singing time for the first time ever.

I originally was going to come back Tuesday Nov. 29th because prices were cheaper then. But as I was getting ready to leave the Primary President was frantic because I wasn't going to be there and trying to convince her sister to play. Her sister does not play that well, and as any primary pianist can tell you, every song is in a different key, and it can be confusing.

I was a bit annoyed because here I had practiced so hard with them and was going to miss it. So in the end I just changed my ticket and came back early. I was just sitting at home getting fat at Mom and Dad's house anyway (no joke, between all the parties and Thanksgiving I had gained three pounds).

The program went well, but I have to give the presidency credit, they had been practicing with the kids alot. For about a month actually. At the end Johel got up and gave his usual end of the program bishop speech. He thanked me and said to everyone he was sure I had learned a lot patience throughout this process. I really hadn't. Being pianist is easy. Once I play, the kids sing. It's the primary leaders who I tip my hat to.

Afterwards the president asked me to join in with a little celebration during sharing time. I passed out some miniature candy canes I brought back because they don't have them here in Peru. Johel was kind enough to send me later a picture we had taken of all the kids and the leaders.

Check out that white girl in the back. I know there are some fair skinned Peruvians, but this is just one of those moments I sigh and accept the fact I just stick out sometimes.